Rayman 3

Rayman 3 is a handheld version of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, a wacky and colorful adventure featuring one of the best video game mascots of all time, Rayman. In this retro, sidescrolling platformer, players must navigate through vibrant yet dangerous levels, collecting bright Yellow Lums and defeating any enemies that run into their path. Although the console version of Rayman 3 featured 3D graphics and gameplay, Rayman 3 on Game Boy Advance offers the old-school 2D platforming that originally made the series so popular. Similar in style to other classic platformers like Donkey Kong Country, Ristar, and Earthworm Jim, Rayman 3 offers a hilarious adventure with lots of style. With a plethora of funny characters, addictive levels, and tons of collectibles to find, Rayman 3 is a fantastic game that will keep you hooked.

Main Game Features

• 30 levels of intense platforming
• 5 multiplayer modes
• Vivid and flashy art style

Story

The story in Rayman 3 is set sometime after the events of the console game, Rayman 2. Told through simplistic cutscenes, the narrative is silly, weird, and par for the course in the Rayman franchise. After saving an ancient race of guardians called the Teensies, Rayman and his buddy Globox take a quick break. Embracing his always-hungry attitude, Globox swallows a dangerous Dark Lum, causing Rayman to appropriately freak out. Almost immediately after ingesting the Dark Lum, Globox disappears, sending Rayman into a panic. Elsewhere, the evil robot-pirate Admiral Razorbeard catches wind of Globox's disappearance and begins his own pursuit. With Admiral Razorbeard intending on using the Dark Lum to gain infinite power, Rayman must rescue his friend and stop Razorbeard's plan in order to protect the universe.

Gameplay

Although Rayman 3 is based on the 3D platformer, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, the gameplay style is much different. Calling back to the franchise's roots, Rayman 3 feels very similar to the original Rayman on PlayStation. Designed as a sidescrolling platformer, players control Rayman as they progress through brightly colored worlds, defeating enemies and collecting Lums. In addition to running and jumping, Rayman can glide in the air while also using his disembodied limbs as projectile attacks. Your main objective is to complete the levels without dying, all while collecting Lums and breaking cages open. There are 30 levels to complete, spread out across four distinct hub worlds.

Besides the standard 2D platforming, Rayman 3 also includes a handful of alternative level types and bonus modes to try out. When you're not hopping through fantasy worlds and collecting Lums, you'll often be challenged by major bosses that present some significant combat difficulty. There are also racing levels that play out on a 3D plane, shaking up the gameplay in some fun ways. Even better, if you and your friends want to enjoy Rayman 3 together, there are five different multiplayer modes to try. This includes some fun tag-based game modes as well as bumper car races and battles.

Conclusion

Although it's not a perfect recreation of the console version of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, Rayman 3 on Game Boy Advance is still plenty of fun to play. The classic platforming gameplay is highly addictive and enjoyable, made even better by the inventive art style and level design. A variety of unique challenges and game modes keep things interesting, ranging from big boss fights to bumper car races.

Pros

• Great variety in level design
• Consistently cool visuals
• Quick levels perfect for short play sessions

Cons

• Gameplay can get repetitive
• Some multiplayer modes are similar
• The narrative feels underdeveloped